Base attack with 3 victims: Trump dismisses report that China gave Iran intelligence on the base

U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed reports that Chinese entities had provided Iran with satellite imagery of a military base before an Iranian attack killed three American soldiers.

Iranian missiles struck Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, where U.S. forces are stationed, in July.

“You know, when they say China spies on us, I say you’re right, and we spy on them too,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned from a visit to Ireland.

“That’s what we do. They basically do what we do,” Trump said.

The Wall Street Journal report said U.S. officials declined to say which Chinese entities had provided the images to Iran and did not suggest that Beijing was directly involved.

The White House has tried to minimize tensions with China during Trump’s second term.

Trump declined to answer questions on whether he would raise the incident with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is expected to visit the White House on September 24. China has not officially confirmed that the meeting will take place.

Trump on Sunday reiterated his belief that he has a good relationship with Xi.

“I think he’s behaved quite well, and we behave quite well,” the U.S. president said.

Trump’s remarks follow a pattern set by his administration, which has tried to minimize tensions with China, despite frustration in Washington over Beijing’s support for Iran.

Trump has previously warned China not to supply Iran with weapons. The U.S. imposed sanctions in May on three Chinese satellite companies for cooperating with Iranian military entities.

China is one of Iran’s main economic and diplomatic partners and the main buyer of its oil.